I foster a years-long ritual at the Minnesota State Fair. No, it doesn’t have anything to do with anything that's deep fried, on-a-stick, or makes you throw up the more you ride it – which is not to say I don't also go for such dalliances. But I’ve grown into a few adult-onset educational adventures as well. I’ve found myself checking out the animal barns (although the lamb wearing the “which cut is this” t-shirt last year firmly reinforced my inability to eat that particular animal … baaaa), visiting the Fine Arts building, and buying beautiful locally produced wools for my 2-year old knitting obsession. And each year, I simply must buy honey at the state fair. I adore honey in all its different flavors and colors.

When I talk about eating local food at Minnesota's great get together, the MN State Fair (which starts today!), friends roll their eyes as though I've just suggested going to New York City and eating at Applebee's - why on earth would you eat local food at the State Fair, friends ask, when you can get fried alligator on a stick?